2012 Kymco Like Review

Scooters are now all the rage as commuters look for more fuel efficient options to zip around the city streets. Kymco may not be as well-known as other manufacturers, but this Taiwanese company has been manufacturing high-quality, popular scooters for years. The Kymco Like was introduced in 2009 and achieved a good amount of success with their Like 50 model. Now for 2012 Kymco has extended the line to include 4 models: Like 50, Like 50 LX, Like 200i, and like 200i LX.

The 2012 Kymco Like 200i beefs up the power and technology from the original Like 50. The Like 50 still sports a perfectly adequate 50-cc, two-stroke, engines, single-cylinder engine. The new 200i provides an extra oomph with a 163-cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC engine. Both are paired with an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Commuters will be happy with the locking glove box, rear cargo box, and under-seat storage in the Like, although it won't be able to handle much else. As with most scooters, the storage options are limited due to the size. The trunk will hold most helmets. As for taking on passengers, the Like is able to retain power even with an extra person. Top speeds end up around 80 mpg, but this scooter is meant for getting around town, not speeding down the open road; so it should be more than sufficient for an average commuter's needs.

The 2012 Kymco Like is an attractive, stylish scooter. It comes with three paint choices: Black, Red, and Ivory. The headlight blends well with the front design, but is swept back at such an angle that the glare can distract taller drivers. A high floorboard reduces legroom, and the handlebars may conflict with knees on sharper turns. The instrument panel has a pleasing design with the speedometer easing its way into the bottom left of the fuel gauge. Controls on the handlebars are also well designed.

Overall, the 2012 Kymco Like is well-built and is viewed as a good value. This scooter has enough styling nostalgia built in to evoke memories of simpler times, but has a good mix of current technology to go with it. Drivers who need a little more out of their scooter should opt for the larger engine.